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September 2017

The Montana FFA State Officer team, along with the Choteau FFA Agronomy team, recently participated in a commodity tour of the west coast. They were accompanied by the Montana FFA State Advisor, Jim Rose, Montana FFA Foundation Treasurer, Mark Sinnard and Choteau FFA Advisor Milford Wearley.

Misty Longfellow-Kriskovich, CIC, CPCU of Hobson Insurance was recently recognized for professional leadership and advanced knowledge by the Society of Certified Insurance Counselors, a leading national insurance professional organization.

Kriskovich was awarded a certificate marking more than fifteen years of participation as a designated CIC, which requires annual completion of advanced education and training.

Over the years, U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development’s funding has served as a lifeline for rural communities, providing critical funding for water and wastewater infrastructure, public and community buildings, and essential community service facilities.

Without these grants and loans, many small communities would have to put off infrastructure or facility projects. When necessary projects are delayed, the quality of life in a small town is impacted, along with its economic prospects.

It’s official, according to the National Weather Service records. This summer in Lewistown is the driest on record.

“We measure the meteorological summer from June 1 to Aug. 31,” said Cody Moldan, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Great Falls. “Lewistown’s total rainfall for those three months was just 2.18 inches, and most of that came in June. The normal rainfall for June, July and August is 6.74 inches. This is the driest summer in Lewistown on record.”

These high temperatures and extreme dry conditions just don’t want to seem to let go. It does seem to cool off a bit at night, but the lack of moisture is really taking a toll on livestock, crops, hay ground and grazing. anyone who has a garden can’t seem to get enough water. Let’s continue to pray for cooler temperatures and a much needed million-dollar rain.

With only one member of the public in attendance Friday morning, the Fergus County commissioners unanimously approved a $12.16 million budget for this fiscal year.

Presiding Officer Carl Seilstad said part of the reason the budget amount is higher than last year is because the commissioners have been trying to increase cash reserves – cash set aside to deal with unexpected situations, such as the floods in 2011.

Bertie Brown’s 33-year career with MSU Extension ended on Thursday, and while her title of office manager gave her a low profile, her experience and excellence made her stand out to those she worked with.

Travels with 4-H

Jennifer Saunders has been the Fergus County Extension’s 4-H program assistant for 20 years. When she started, Brown was already a Extension veteran.

“She’s always been awesome,” Saunders said. “Bertie’s very kind and very patient.”